The Freeride World Tour (FWT) has cancelled their stop in Golden at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort due to the latest travel restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The FWT has also cancelled their stop in Japan.
“This decision was made to ensure the health and safety of the athletes, staff, partners, fans and local organizers,” said the tour organizers in a release on their website.
“Minimizing travel between competitions will limit the risk and make it easier to comply with international travel restrictions.”
They are currently in discussion with several European resorts to replace the cancelled events.
Kicking Horse was the only North American stop on the tour, which plans to return to Golden in 2022.
“Though it is extremely disappointing that the 2021 Freeride World Tour event in Golden, BC at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is being cancelled, it is the right course of action,” said Mark Rubinstein, area manager of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort through a statement with the FWT.
“Thank you to the FWT and all stakeholders for trying to have it take place this year. We are already excited to welcome the FWT back to Kicking Horse in 2022! I wish everyone a safe, and hopefully powder filled winter.”
It’s a sentiment that’s echoed by Tourism Golden.
“Although deeply disappointed, we fully support the Freeride World Tours difficult decision to cancel the 2021 Kicking Horse Golden BC event” said Joanne Sweeting, executive director of Tourism Golden in the same statement.
“This is a responsible decision that takes the safety of their staff, athletes and our community into account. Over the past 3 years, the staff and athletes have made a lasting impression on our community and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2022.”
